THE SUDDEN death of Circuit Court judge Con Murphy at the age of just 51 had left a huge void, not just for his family and local community, but also among the judiciary, mourners at his funeral Mass heard yesterday.
Fr Denis O’Leary told the hundreds of mourners who thronged St Patrick’s Church in Bandon that Judge Murphy would be sadly missed first and foremost by his wife Miriam, mother Theresa, brothers Dan and Phil, sister Margaret and other relatives.
Judge Murphy’s death had also shocked his countless friends. “He was a man blessed with such a brilliant intelligence of mind, not only in law but in the arts, language, history, geography, current affairs and sport,” the priest added.
“Not only was he so brilliant but he was also deeply rooted with the gift of outstanding common sense.”
In a poignant eulogy, Dr Dan Murphy spoke of his brother’s great optimism in life and his great love of reading, classical music, GAA, politics, current affairs, travel, the Irish language and bowl-playing as well as his great generosity towards people.
His close friend, Tom Creed SC said Judge Murphy was possibly the most gregarious person he had ever met, possessing an ability to make friends no matter where he was and no matter what company he was in.
Among the many clergy present was the Bishop of Cork and Ross, Dr John Buckley. Numerous judges and members of the legal profession attended including his colleagues from Cork Circuit Court, Circuit Court president Judge Matthew Deery, former attorney general Paul Gallagher, as well as a number of State solicitors and senior gardaí.
Before he went to the bench in November 2004, Judge Murphy was a member of Fianna Fáil. He served twice as mayor of Bandon and among the political figures at his funeral was Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Lord Mayor of Cork Terry Shannon.
Members of Bandon GAA Club formed a guard of honour as did members of the West Cork bar.